Indore fire tragedy kills 8 in same house:Digital lock failure raises safety concerns; experts question its reliability in fire emergencies

When a massive fire broke out in Indore, eight members of the same family lost their lives, raising serious concerns about the safety of digital and sensor-based door locks. Are smart locks trapping people instead of protecting them during emergencies? To explore this, Bhaskar spoke with electronics experts Dr. Prashant Bansod and Prof. Satish Kumar Jain from Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology. They analyzed how the smart lock may have failed to open in time, whether it contributed to the deaths, and whether such locks are inherently unsafe or simply require careful selection and use. Read this report Smart locks fail in extreme heat Electronic locks work efficiently under normal conditions, but in situations like fire, overheating, or short circuits, they are often the first to fail. Dr. Bansod explains that the silicon chips and circuits inside these locks can stop functioning at temperatures above 60–70°C, causing them to jam. Prof. Jain adds that if the battery or circuit fails, there is often no alternative way to open the door. Single exit, smart lock risks rise According to experts, urban flat culture has increased risk; earlier homes had two exits, but now most have only one main door. If that door is controlled by an electronic lock, escape routes can be blocked during emergencies. Prof. Jain explains that mobile-dependent locks cannot be opened by others and may fail if the network or app stops working. While convenience has improved, complete dependence can be dangerous. In locks powered by 9V/12V batteries or inverters, issues like battery depletion, swelling, or overheating are common, and users often remain unaware of internal faults. Dr. Bansod warns that if a circuit fails during an accident, the risk increases significantly. What to do if using digital locks Experts recommend keeping a manual key or lever as backup and staying updated on emergency operation procedures. Install smoke sensors in sensitive areas, along with fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Regular servicing is essential to detect faults early, and battery status should be checked frequently. Earlier incident highlights danger Around five months ago, in Indore, Narmada Sena national president and Congress leader Pravesh Agrawal died of suffocation after a fire in his penthouse. His 15-year-old daughter Saumya, was seriously injured and hospitalised. At the time, the family was inside the house, and guards managed to rescue his wife, Shweta, and younger daughter, Myra. The initial cause was linked to the high-security system, as the AC and digital lock failed due to smoke and fire, making escape difficult and leading to Pravesh’s death.
Businessman says – digital locks are completely safe Jitendra Khatri, a businessman dealing in high-security locks, claims that digital locks are completely safe. He says a key feature is that if the temperature reaches 55°C during a fire, the lock opens automatically. Even if smart sensor locks face issues, they usually occur from the outside, not inside the house. He adds that these locks are gaining popularity due to their status symbol and security benefits. However, by rough estimates, only about 10% of homes in Madhya Pradesh currently have smart locks installed. These locks available in many ranges in the market